My name is Andrew, and this tale took place many years ago. During one summer, my sister Diane and I, along with our favourite aunt and uncle, spent three months at a delightful camp site in the state park. Aunt Clara and Uncle Felix had a fold-down tent trailer for themselves, and several large tents for their three children and any guests. It was a jolly time, filled with wholesome fun and adventure.
We visited the camp twice with our parents that summer, and once in August on our own. Our parents, not being fond of sleeping in tents, decided not to accompany us that time. Aunt Clara and Uncle Felix had two sons, Brandon, who was my age, Eddie, and a daughter named Ellie, a little younger than Diane. The camp was always full of laughter and good cheer.
Camping with our cousins was always a splendid adventure. There were canoes for the lake, and games such as lawn darts, croquet, and badminton. The lake was surrounded by forest, and a railway track crossed it on a tall trestle. We often took walks along the track, which, as you shall see, led us into a spot of bother.
One afternoon, after tiring of swimming and games, we decided to explore the forest. Aunt Clara entrusted Brandon and me with the responsibility of looking after the girls, ensuring they did not get lost or hurt. We set off at half past three, crossing the trestle to see where the tracks led. Soon, the camp was out of sight.
The afternoon was pleasant, not too warm for August, and a good path ran beside the tracks. We discovered an old beaver dam and a cave that looked as though it might house a large animal. I assured the girls there were no bears or cougars in the park, but we teased them gently about wild creatures, as boys sometimes do.
The cave was deep and dark, but quite empty, so we soon returned to the trail. I checked my watch, only to find it had stopped. The sun was still high, so I thought we had plenty of time. We found a path that left the railway and followed it for a while, enjoying the adventure.
Alas, we became lost. There were many side trails, and neither Eddie nor I could recall our way back. The sun began to set as we finally found the railway again and started for camp. It was nearly dark when we heard sirens in the distance, which we followed, hoping they would lead us home.
We returned to camp at dusk, where police and forest rangers were gathered near Uncle Felix’s trailer. Aunt Clara and Uncle Felix ran to us, both relieved and cross. We had missed Aunt Clara’s delicious fish supper, and our absence had caused much worry. The rangers called off their search, and soon it was time for bed.
The rangers informed their search party that we had been found safe. By the time they returned and packed up, it was nearly bedtime. Aunt Clara said, ‘You have caused a great deal of trouble by getting lost. We shall discuss this in the morning.’
The next morning, breakfast was a quiet affair. Afterward, Uncle Felix and Aunt Clara gathered us and spoke sternly about responsibility. They were clearly worried and disappointed. We apologised sincerely, and were sent to the far side of the clearing while they decided upon our punishment.
When we were called back, Aunt Clara said they were grateful for our safe return, but that Brandon, Eddie, and I must be punished to learn the importance of responsibility. ‘Eddie will also be punished, so he may understand the seriousness of his duties,’ she said gravely.
The girls were sent to their tent, and Aunt Clara told Eddie and me to remain by the campfire while she took Brandon behind the tent trailer. Eddie whispered, ‘He will receive a sound spanking, as is only right.’
Soon, the sound of Brandon’s spanking could be heard. Aunt Clara delivered twelve firm smacks with her paddle, each one echoing through the camp. Brandon cried out, but Aunt Clara reminded him that this was a lesson to remember. A few children and teenagers passed by, some giggling, but Aunt Clara continued until all twelve smacks were given.
I was uncertain what would happen to me. Aunt Clara and Uncle Felix knew my parents did not believe in spankings, but they were not present, and our relatives had the right to discipline us as they saw fit.
When Brandon returned, his eyes were red and he sat down gingerly. Aunt Clara then took Eddie behind the trailer. Eddie received ten sharp smacks with the paddle, each one a reminder of his duty. He returned in tears, but Aunt Clara comforted him, explaining that it was for his own good.
Now it was my turn. Aunt Clara said, ‘Andrew, I know your parents do not punish you in this way, so you may choose: either explain to them what happened, or take your punishment from me.’ I thought it only fair to accept my share, as I was most to blame.
‘Very well,’ said Aunt Clara. ‘You are a good boy for accepting responsibility.’ She led me behind the trailer, where a sturdy paddle lay on the table. I felt nervous, but determined to be brave.
‘Lean forward over the table,’ Aunt Clara instructed. I did as I was told, gripping the sides tightly. Aunt Clara delivered ten firm smacks, each one stinging and loud. I tried not to cry, but the pain was sharp, and I could not help myself. Aunt Clara paused, then gave two more smacks, saying, ‘Let this be a lesson to you, Andrew.’
When it was over, Aunt Clara sat beside me and held me close. I wept a little, but felt comforted by her kindness. She explained that the punishment was given out of love, to help me grow into a responsible young man. I resolved never to disappoint her again.
“Lean forward over the edge of the table,” she told me, “and stretch your hands out and take hold of the sides. You’re not to move until I’m finished.” She started to spank me with her hand, which didn’t make very much noise, but it stung. I gripped the edges of the table and clenched my bottom cheeks. She stopped spanking and I hoped it was over and started to stand up.
“We’re not finished yet,” she said. “The next time you are accountable for the girls’ safety, I want you to remember this day. You’re a very good boy, and I love you very much, but you have to learn that there are consequences when you fail to live up to what’s expected of you.”
And then the real spanking began. She smacked my bottom and the backs of my thighs slowly and firmly with the oversized paddle, and my skin began to burn. What was almost worse was the loud slapping sound that I knew could be heard all over the camp site. I would be in for a lot of teasing from everyone who heard me being punished. It might be funny to them, but not to me.
The paddling seemed to last forever, but I didn’t know how long because my watch still wasn’t working – ironically the main reason I was in that awful position.
I tried not to cry but couldn’t help it. Finally, Aunt Clara let me stand up, then sat down on the bench and held me close by her side. I cried some more, but it felt good to know that I’d accepted my punishment willingly. I knew Aunt Clara had made my bottom sore because she loved me, and wanted me to become a better person. I was determined not to disappoint her.
